Breasts and Axillae: Inspect Breasts Abnormal Findings
-marked asymmetry?-rapid changes in size of one could indicate inflammatory process or growth?-dimpling, retraction, or bulging could indicate a malignancy?-inflammation may cause surface erythema and heat
Breasts and Axillae: Inspect Areolae and Nipples
-areolae color ranging from pink to black?-areola should be round/oval and appear bilaterally similar?-areola may have slightly raised bumps, hair may be seen?-most nipples protrude; some may be flat or inverted?-nipple inversion normal if it is not a new finding?-smooth, intact without evidence of crusting, lesions, bleeding, or discharge
Breasts and Axillae: Inspect Areolae and Nipples Abnormal Findings
-rash on one breast?-unilateral hyperpigmentation?-unilateral venous patterns?-areolae that are unequal bilaterally, have an irregular shape, or have lesions or changes in color?-nipples that point in different directions or not symmetric?-nipple retraction could suggest malignancy?-nipple edema, redness, pigment changes, ulceration or crusting, erosion or scaling, and wrinkling or cracking?-nipple discharge not normal